Experience the untamed beauty of Samburu National Reserve on this luxurious 4-day fly-in safari, offering breathtaking aerial views, exceptional game drives, and exclusive wildlife encounters. Escape the long road trip and fly directly into Samburu, arriving in just 1.5 hours from Nairobi.
Samburu is one of Kenya’s most unique safari destinations, famous for its rugged landscapes, dramatic escarpments, and riverine forests along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Unlike the busier Masai Mara, Samburu is uncrowded, allowing for an intimate safari experience. The reserve is also home to the rare Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk—species found only in Kenya’s northern regions.
This 4-day safari package is designed for luxury and comfort, featuring scenic flights, exclusive accommodations, and expertly guided game drives across Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, wildlife enthusiast, or first-time safari-goer, this trip guarantees an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Kenya’s wild frontier.
Package Overview
Duration: 4 Days, 3 Nights
Transport: Return flights from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Samburu Airstrip, game drives in a private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Umoja Camp, Lion’s Cave Camp
- Mid-Range: Samburu Sopa Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp
- Luxury: Saruni Samburu, Elephant Bedroom Camp
Activities: Game drives in Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba, scenic flights, cultural experiences, and nature walks.
Safari Highlights
✅ Fast & comfortable flight from Nairobi to Samburu—arrive in just 1.5 hours.
✅ Exclusive game viewing in Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba, with fewer crowds.
✅ Scenic game drives along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, home to elephants, crocodiles, and big cats.
✅ Full-day safari in Samburu, tracking predators and rare species.
✅ Explore Buffalo Springs & Shaba, known for lush springs, volcanic landscapes, and fewer tourists.
✅ Stay in top-rated lodges & camps, offering panoramic views over the reserve.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu – Fly & Afternoon Game Drive
Your safari begins at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, where you’ll board a 1.5-hour scenic flight to Samburu Airstrip. As you fly over Kenya’s landscape, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Mount Kenya, sprawling savannahs, and arid northern plains.
Upon arrival, your expert safari guide will be waiting to transfer you to your luxury lodge or tented camp. After check-in, relax and enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the vast Samburu wilderness.
At 3:30 PM, embark on your first game drive along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, where elephants gather, crocodiles sunbathe, and leopards lurk in the riverine forests. Keep an eye out for the Samburu Special Five, as well as large predators such as lions and cheetahs.
As the golden hues of sunset paint the sky, return to camp for sundowners, a gourmet dinner, and a peaceful night under the stars.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Samburu – Big Cats & The Special Five
Start your day early with a sunrise game drive, when predators are most active. Your guide will take you to prime hunting grounds where lions and cheetahs stalk their prey, and if you’re lucky, you might witness a live hunt.
Explore diverse landscapes, from rocky outcrops to palm-lined riverbanks, tracking elephant herds, rare antelope, and leopards in their natural habitats.
Midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild, or return to camp for a rest before continuing your afternoon game drive. Your guide will take you deep into the reserve, where photographers and wildlife enthusiasts can capture stunning golden-hour shots.
Return to your camp at 6:30 PM, freshen up, and enjoy a relaxing evening around a campfire, followed by a delicious dinner under the open African sky.
Day 3: Game Drives in Buffalo Springs & Shaba – Hidden Treasures of the North
After breakfast, set off for a full-day safari exploring Buffalo Springs & Shaba National Reserves, two of Kenya’s most underrated wildlife havens.
Morning: Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Explore lush, riverine forests, home to hippos, elephants, and rare wild dogs.
- Visit the Buffalo Springs Natural Pools, a stunning desert oasis where animals gather for a drink.
- Enjoy game drives along the riverbanks, spotting lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
Afternoon: Shaba National Reserve – The Land of Joy Adamson
- Drive into Shaba, a land of volcanic formations, lava flows, and open wilderness.
- Visit the legendary site where Joy Adamson (author of Born Free) lived, raising Elsa the lioness.
- Stop at viewpoints overlooking the Ewaso Ng’iro River, where crocodiles bask and birds soar overhead.
After an action-packed day, return to Samburu for dinner and a final night in the wild.
Day 4: Morning Safari & Flight Back to Nairobi
Wake up early for a final sunrise game drive, taking one last chance to spot Samburu’s predators and unique wildlife. After breakfast, check out and head to Samburu Airstrip for your return scenic flight to Nairobi, arriving by midday.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
✔️ Return flights from Nairobi (Wilson Airport) to Samburu.
✔️ 3 nights’ accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury options).
✔️ All park entry fees for Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba Reserves.
✔️ All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
✔️ Unlimited game drives in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof.
✔️ Professional safari guide with expert tracking skills.
✔️ Scenic aerial views during your flights.
Excluded:
❌ Drinks, tips, and personal expenses.
❌ Travel insurance.
❌ Optional Samburu village visit ($20 per person).
Accommodation Options
Budget:
- Umoja Camp
- Lion’s Cave Camp
Mid-Range:
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Ashnil Samburu Camp
Luxury:
- Saruni Samburu
- Elephant Bedroom Camp
What to Expect on Safari
- Fast, comfortable travel with scenic flights instead of long drives.
- Luxury stays in remote, wildlife-rich areas.
- Close encounters with big cats, elephants, and the rare Samburu Special Five.
- Diverse landscapes, from riverine forests to lava plateaus.
Your Game Viewing Vehicle
- 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for unobstructed views.
- Comfortable reclining seats and large windows for photography.
- Charging ports for cameras and mobile devices.
- Cooler box stocked with refreshing drinks.
Pricing & Booking
💰 Budget Option: From $2,000 per person
💰 Mid-Range Option: From $2,800 per person
💰 Luxury Option: From $4,000 per person